It probably wouldn't happen, but the Indiana Pacers signing Isaiah Hartenstein away from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the offseason (assuming they decline his $28.5 million team option) would certainly move the needle in their direction.
And it seems like Sam Vecenie of the "Game Theory Podcast" would agree with this as well, though they likely wouldn't be able to afford him.
"[Isaiah] Hartenstein would be amazing," Vecenie said. "I don't think [the Pacers will] have the money to do Hartenstein. I think he'll get too much."
Isaiah Hartenstein would be great for the Pacers
Hartenstein enjoyed a late breakout with the New York Knicks in 2023-24 before joining the Thunder and playing an instrumental role in their championship win last season.
In parts of two seasons in Oklahoma City so far, the Oregon native has averaged 11.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1 block while shooting 59.8% from the field in 81 games. He also makes up one of the best defensive frontcourts in the NBA alongside Chet Holmgren.
The Pacers desperately need a new starting center, and if the Thunder choose to let him hit unrestricted free agency later this year, it would be a no-brainer for them to look into signing Hartenstein.
He wouldn't be a perfect fit in Indiana (largely because of his inability to stretch the floor), but the pros outweigh the cons. Hartenstein is a fantastic paint presence on both sides of the ball who would drastically help the Pacers on the boards. Additionally, he plays tough and with a lot of energy, and he would be a good complement to Pascal Siakam.
However, as Vecenie mentioned, Hartenstein might be too expensive for the Pacers, and that's what makes this an unlikely pairing.
Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million deal to join the Thunder in 2024. This is an AAV of $29 million, and if anything, he has only increased his value since signing this deal. He has been an effective player at the highest of levels and is doing it on a more consistent basis. And given that Indiana might still be looking to avoid paying the luxury tax, Hartenstein may be out of its price range.
For context, if the 27-year-old were on the Pacers' roster currently, he would be the third-highest paid player behind Tyrese Haliburton and Siakam, according to Basketball-Reference.com.
Still, a lot of crazier things have happened. And if the Pacers are serious about finally landing their Myles Turner replacement (which they should be), it would be foolish of them not to get revenge on the team that crushed championship dreams in 2025 and steal one of their most important players.